China a strong advocate of trade liberalization: FM

BEIJING - China has been a strong advocate of trade liberalization and a key player in Asia-Pacific cooperation and economic integration, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday.

Wang made the remarks on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

China has been working actively for the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP), he said.

The free trade pact will cover more population and involve more diverse economies than any other similar initiative.

China is positive about any open, transparent and inclusive agreement that reinforces regional economic integration and the WTO-centered global free trade system, Wang said.

"China looks forward to more communication, coordination and interaction among the various free trade initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region, so that each can play its own and constructive role for less trade protectionism and a more open global economy," he said.